US8955914B2 - Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants - Google Patents

Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US8955914B2
US8955914B2 US13/907,079 US201313907079A US8955914B2 US 8955914 B2 US8955914 B2 US 8955914B2 US 201313907079 A US201313907079 A US 201313907079A US 8955914 B2 US8955914 B2 US 8955914B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
leg
panel
restraining member
seat
deployed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
US13/907,079
Other versions
US20140354020A1 (en
Inventor
Pete C. Meister
Michael J. Farvet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BE Aerospace Inc
Original Assignee
BE Aerospace Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BE Aerospace Inc filed Critical BE Aerospace Inc
Priority to US13/907,079 priority Critical patent/US8955914B2/en
Priority to CA2909429A priority patent/CA2909429A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2013/050649 priority patent/WO2014193425A1/en
Priority to CN201380077048.6A priority patent/CN105246780B/en
Priority to JP2016516497A priority patent/JP2016524565A/en
Priority to EP13742117.8A priority patent/EP3003858B1/en
Assigned to B/E AEROSPACE, INC. reassignment B/E AEROSPACE, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FARVET, MICHAEL J., MEISTER, PETER C.
Priority to US14/060,143 priority patent/US8894095B1/en
Priority to US14/519,996 priority patent/US9139114B2/en
Publication of US20140354020A1 publication Critical patent/US20140354020A1/en
Publication of US8955914B2 publication Critical patent/US8955914B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Priority to US14/627,168 priority patent/US9296317B2/en
Priority to US14/628,431 priority patent/US9315271B2/en
Assigned to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. reassignment JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
Assigned to B/E AEROSPACE, INC. reassignment B/E AEROSPACE, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/42—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats
    • B60N2/427—Seats or parts thereof displaced during a crash
    • B60N2/42727—Seats or parts thereof displaced during a crash involving substantially rigid displacement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0601—Arrangement of seats for non-standard seating layouts, e.g. seats staggered horizontally or vertically, arranged in an angled or fishbone layout, or facing in other directions than the direction of flight
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D25/00—Emergency apparatus or devices, not otherwise provided for
    • B64D25/02—Supports or holding means for living bodies
    • B64D25/04—Seat modifications

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants.
  • the invention relates to a leg restraint device for side-seated occupant of, for example, business aircraft of the type offering side-facing seats for passengers.
  • the disclosed invention has application in any form of vehicle transportation where passenger or occupant seats may be mounted in a side-facing orientation in relation to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle, such as an aircraft. It is anticipated that a restraint device will be required to be used on FAA Part 25 side-facing seat installations where an arm rest is located just forward of the occupants.
  • Violent or abrupt deceleration can cause high g-force lateral loading on a side-facing passenger, causing lateral leg movement and leg rotation about the knee and femur. This can cause dislocations, muscle and tendon injuries and fractures due to the restraint exerted on the passenger's torso by seat belts and/or arm rests while the legs are unrestrained.
  • belts or similar restraints on the legs are not advisable due to the additional time needed to remove the restraints, as well as the possibility that injuries to the passenger may make it difficult for either the passenger or emergency personnel to remove such restraints.
  • leg restraint that provides protection to the legs of side-facing seat occupants in the event of a crash or other rapid deceleration, while not inhibiting rapid egress from the seat after the event.
  • TTOL taxi, take-off and landing
  • leg restraint device attached to a side-facing seat that prevents leg rotation about the knee and femur by restraining the lower leg and foot of a side-facing occupant.
  • the device is attached to the seat structure and contains a moveable panel positioned under the seat bottom that can be deployed and locked such that the primary forward impact of the occupant's foot is against a rigid restraining panel.
  • the panel prevents the foot and lower leg from moving forward during an aircraft forward crash. After the event the panel retracts under the seat and provides free space in the aisle for occupant egress.
  • a leg restraint for side-seated vehicle occupants, and comprises a leg-restraining member mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and is selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position.
  • an impact-activated biasing member cooperates with the leg-restraining member to move the leg-restraining member into the retracted position following the impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member.
  • a locking member cooperates with the leg-restraining member to retain the leg restraining member in its deployed position.
  • the vehicle comprises an aircraft and the vehicle seat comprises an aircraft occupant seat.
  • a leg restraint for side-seated aircraft occupants includes a leg-restraining member mounted in proximity to a side-facing aircraft seat and selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during TTOL and a retracted, non-leg interfering position, and an impact-activated biasing member that cooperates with the leg-restraining member to move the leg-restraining member into the retracted position upon impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member.
  • a locking member cooperates with the leg-restraining member to retain the leg restraining member in its deployed position against a biasing force towards the retracted position until an impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member.
  • the leg-restraining member includes a panel mounted beneath a seat bottom of the aircraft seat
  • the impact-activated biasing member includes a spring cooperating with the panel
  • the locking member includes a locking pin carried by the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a cap mounted on the panel, the guide slot including a notch offset to one side of the guide slot and positioned to capture the locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
  • the panel is mounted in an elongate panel housing positioned beneath the seat bottom of the vehicle on a side of the seat most proximate to a direction of forward travel of the aircraft, and is moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during TTOL and a retracted, non-leg interfering position.
  • the spring includes a coil spring mounted in a spring housing mounted on the panel housing such that as the panel is deployed, the coil spring is uncoiled and when the panel is retracted, the coil spring coils.
  • a top locking pin is carried by a top side of the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a top cap mounted on the top side of the panel.
  • the top guide slot includes a notch positioned to capture the top locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
  • a bottom locking pin is carried by a bottom side of the panel and is mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a bottom cap mounted on the bottom side of the panel.
  • the bottom guide slot includes a notch positioned to capture the bottom locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
  • At least one laterally-positioned biasing member is carried by the panel housing and imposes a lateral bias against the panel in a direction to maintain the locking pin in the notch in an offset position to one side of the guide slot when the panel is in the deployed position.
  • the laterally-positioned biasing member includes a spring-loaded pin adapted to be positioned in an extended position against the panel when the panel is in the deployed position, and to be moved into a retracted position against the panel by the action of the panel upon lateral deflection of the panel incident to impact by a leg of the seat occupant.
  • an aircraft passenger seat adapted for being positioned in a side-facing configuration in an aircraft cabin, and includes a seat bottom and seat back configured to be oriented in the aircraft perpendicular to the direction of forward travel of the aircraft.
  • a leg restraint for restraining leg movement in the direction of forward travel of the aircraft incident to an abrupt deceleration of the aircraft is provided and includes a leg-restraining member that is mounted in proximity to the aircraft seat and is selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during TTOL and a retracted, non-leg interfering position.
  • An impact-activated biasing member cooperates with the leg-restraining member to move the leg-restraining member into the retracted position upon impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member.
  • a locking member cooperates with the leg-restraining member to retain the leg restraining member in its deployed position against a biasing force towards the retracted position until an impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member.
  • the leg-restraining member includes a panel mounted beneath the seat bottom of the aircraft seat, the impact-activated biasing member includes a spring cooperating with the panel, and the locking member includes a locking pin carried by the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a cap mounted on the panel.
  • the guide slot includes a notch offset to one side of the guide slot positioned to capture the locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
  • the panel is mounted in an elongate panel housing positioned beneath the seat bottom on a side of the seat most proximate to a direction of forward travel of the aircraft, and moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during TTOL and a retracted, non-leg interfering position.
  • the spring is a coil spring mounted in a spring housing mounted on the panel housing such that as the panel is deployed, the coil spring is uncoiled and when the panel is retracted, the coil spring coils.
  • a top locking pin is carried by a top side of the panel and is mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a top cap mounted on the top side of the panel.
  • the top guide slot includes a notch positioned to capture the top locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
  • a bottom locking pin is carried by a bottom side of the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a bottom cap mounted on the bottom side of the panel.
  • the bottom guide slot includes a notch positioned to capture the bottom locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
  • At least one laterally-positioned biasing member is carried by the panel housing and imposes a lateral bias against the panel in a direction to maintain the locking pin in the notch in an offset position to one side of the guide slot when the panel is in the deployed position.
  • the laterally-positioned biasing member includes a spring-loaded pin adapted to be positioned in an extended position against the panel when the panel is in the deployed position, and to be moved into a retracted position against the panel by the action of the panel upon lateral deflection of the panel incident to impact by a leg of the seat occupant.
  • the notches in the top and bottom guide slots include an offset segment at one end for capturing the locking pin.
  • an arm rest and end bay are positioned on a side of the seat most proximate to a direction of forward travel of the aircraft.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a side-seated aircraft seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its retracted position;
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a side-seated aircraft seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its retracted position;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a side-seated aircraft seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its deployed position;
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevation of a side-seated seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its deployed position;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view from below, showing the leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its deployed position;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below, showing the leg restraint device of FIG. 5 in its retracted position
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of the leg restraint device in its deployed position
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above, showing the leg restraint device of FIG. 7 in its retracted position;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view from below, showing the leg restraint device in its deployed position, with the bottom cap removed to show the lock pin and spring-loaded pin, and their cooperation with the bottom guide slot;
  • FIG. 10 is a partial vertical cross-sectional perspective view from below, showing the leg restraint device in its deployed position and the position of the upper and lower locking pins in the respective upper and lower guide slots.
  • the environment of the disclosure is an aircraft of the type having side-facing seats, such as seat 10 , having a seat bottom 12 , seat back 14 and an armrest/end bay 16 .
  • a seat occupant sits with his or her back to the aircraft fuselage “A”, facing outward in a generally perpendicular direction in relation to the longitudinal dimension of the aircraft and its direction of forward travel.
  • the occupant is subject to substantial lateral g-force loading in the event of an abrupt deceleration such as might result during hard braking or a forward-directed crash event.
  • a leg restraint device 20 is provided. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the leg restraint device 20 is mounted under the seat forward of the occupant in relation to the aircraft's direction of forward travel.
  • the leg restraint device 20 includes two principal elements, a housing 22 mounted under the seat, and a deployable restraint panel 24 .
  • the leg restraint device During boarding, deplaning and normal flight, the leg restraint device remains in a retracted condition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the restraint panel 24 is manually deployed by pulling on, for example, a strap 26 positioned on the front end of the restraint panel 24 .
  • the restraint panel 24 when deployed, projects forwardly of the seat 10 into a position where the legs of the seat occupant are positioned behind the restraint panel 24 in relation to the aircraft's direction of forward travel. In the event of an actual abrupt deceleration of the aircraft, the occupant's legs are prevented from continued unrestrained forward motion by the restraint panel 24 . In a manner described below, the restraint panel 24 is caused to retract back into the housing by the action of the lower legs and feet impacting the restraint panel 24 from the side. This retraction occurs very rapidly and thus clears the area around the seat 10 for rapid, unrestricted egress by both the seat occupant and other aircraft occupants who may have to move past the seat 10 in order to egress from the aircraft.
  • the leg restraint device 20 includes a seat mounting plate 28 for mounting the device 20 to the seat 10 in a position below the seat bottom 12 .
  • a retractor spring housing 30 extends rearward from the housing 22 .
  • a top cap 34 and a bottom cap 36 enclose the top and bottom of the housing 22 .
  • a coil retractor spring 38 is positioned in the retractor spring housing 30 and attached to the restraint panel 24 .
  • the spring 38 and an attached cord 39 return the panel to its retracted position by the action of the lower legs and feet impacting the restraint panel 24 from the side.
  • the bottom cap 36 and the top cap 34 function in the same manner.
  • the bottom 36 is provided with a guide slot 40 in its underside.
  • the guide slot 40 includes in its forward terminus an offset notch 42 .
  • a locking pin 44 is positioned on the bottom of the restraint panel 24 and rides in the guide slot 40 .
  • the restraint panel 24 is pulled forward to its deployed position as shown in FIGS. 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 9 , and 10 the locking pin 44 is pulled along the guide slot 40 until the locking pin 44 reaches the offset notch 42 .
  • the offset of the notch 42 is such that a spring-loaded biasing pin 46 pressing against the side of the panel 24 causes the locking pin 44 to move sideways into the notch 42 .
  • the top cap 34 is provided with a guide slot 50 in its underside.
  • the guide slot 50 includes in its forward terminus an offset notch 52 .
  • a locking pin 54 is positioned on the top of the restraint panel 24 and rides in the guide slot 50 .
  • the restraint panel 24 is pulled forward to its deployed position as shown in FIGS. 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 9 and 10 the locking pin 54 is pulled along the guide slot 50 until the locking pin 54 reaches the offset notch 52 .
  • the offset of the notch 52 is such that a spring-loaded biasing pin 56 pressing against the side of the panel 24 causes the locking pin 54 to move sideways into the notch 52 .
  • the deployment of the restraint panel 24 as described above is against the resistance of the retractor spring 38 , which maintains its resistance, applying a rearward force against the panel 24 , which is prevented from retracting by the locking pins 44 and 54 in the offset notches 42 , 52 .
  • the biasing force of the biasing pins 46 , 56 is sufficient to maintain the panel 24 in a position where the locking pins 44 , 54 remain in the offset notches 42 , 52 , so long as there is no lateral force applied to the panel.
  • the force applied by the biasing pins, 46 , 56 is overcome.
  • the panel 24 is bumped sideways in the direction that laterally moves Locking Pins 44 , 54 out of the offset notches 42 , 52 in the bottom and top caps 36 and 34 .
  • the release of the locking pins 44 , 54 permits the retractor spring 38 to instantly retract the panel 24 to which the locking pins 44 , 54 are mounted back into the housing 22 , as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 6 and 8 .
  • the leg restraint device 10 is therefore manually operated and requires no power source other than the mechanical retractor spring 38 . It is easy to install and requires only a simple in board pull on the strap 26 to deploy. It is completely removed from egress paths when retracted.

Abstract

A leg restraint is provided for side-seated vehicle occupants, such as aircraft passengers, and includes a leg-restraining member mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and is selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants. In particular, the invention relates to a leg restraint device for side-seated occupant of, for example, business aircraft of the type offering side-facing seats for passengers. The disclosed invention has application in any form of vehicle transportation where passenger or occupant seats may be mounted in a side-facing orientation in relation to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle, such as an aircraft. It is anticipated that a restraint device will be required to be used on FAA Part 25 side-facing seat installations where an arm rest is located just forward of the occupants.
Violent or abrupt deceleration can cause high g-force lateral loading on a side-facing passenger, causing lateral leg movement and leg rotation about the knee and femur. This can cause dislocations, muscle and tendon injuries and fractures due to the restraint exerted on the passenger's torso by seat belts and/or arm rests while the legs are unrestrained. However, belts or similar restraints on the legs are not advisable due to the additional time needed to remove the restraints, as well as the possibility that injuries to the passenger may make it difficult for either the passenger or emergency personnel to remove such restraints.
Therefore, there is a need for a type of leg restraint that provides protection to the legs of side-facing seat occupants in the event of a crash or other rapid deceleration, while not inhibiting rapid egress from the seat after the event.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a leg restraint that provides protection to the legs of side-facing seat occupants in the event of a crash or other rapid deceleration.
It is another object of the invention to provide a leg restraint device that provides protection to the legs of side-facing seat occupants in the event of a crash or other rapid deceleration, while not inhibiting rapid egress from the seat after the event.
It is another object of the invention to provide a leg restraint device that provides protection to the legs of side-facing seat occupants in the event of a crash or other rapid deceleration, but that need not be deployed except during taxi, take-off and landing (“TTOL”).
These and other objects and advantages of the invention are achieved by providing a leg restraint device attached to a side-facing seat that prevents leg rotation about the knee and femur by restraining the lower leg and foot of a side-facing occupant. The device is attached to the seat structure and contains a moveable panel positioned under the seat bottom that can be deployed and locked such that the primary forward impact of the occupant's foot is against a rigid restraining panel. The panel prevents the foot and lower leg from moving forward during an aircraft forward crash. After the event the panel retracts under the seat and provides free space in the aisle for occupant egress.
According to one embodiment of the invention, a leg restraint is provided for side-seated vehicle occupants, and comprises a leg-restraining member mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and is selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position.
According to another embodiment of the invention, an impact-activated biasing member cooperates with the leg-restraining member to move the leg-restraining member into the retracted position following the impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a locking member cooperates with the leg-restraining member to retain the leg restraining member in its deployed position.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle comprises an aircraft and the vehicle seat comprises an aircraft occupant seat.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a leg restraint for side-seated aircraft occupants is provided, and includes a leg-restraining member mounted in proximity to a side-facing aircraft seat and selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during TTOL and a retracted, non-leg interfering position, and an impact-activated biasing member that cooperates with the leg-restraining member to move the leg-restraining member into the retracted position upon impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member. A locking member cooperates with the leg-restraining member to retain the leg restraining member in its deployed position against a biasing force towards the retracted position until an impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the leg-restraining member includes a panel mounted beneath a seat bottom of the aircraft seat, the impact-activated biasing member includes a spring cooperating with the panel, and the locking member includes a locking pin carried by the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a cap mounted on the panel, the guide slot including a notch offset to one side of the guide slot and positioned to capture the locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the panel is mounted in an elongate panel housing positioned beneath the seat bottom of the vehicle on a side of the seat most proximate to a direction of forward travel of the aircraft, and is moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during TTOL and a retracted, non-leg interfering position. The spring includes a coil spring mounted in a spring housing mounted on the panel housing such that as the panel is deployed, the coil spring is uncoiled and when the panel is retracted, the coil spring coils. A top locking pin is carried by a top side of the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a top cap mounted on the top side of the panel. The top guide slot includes a notch positioned to capture the top locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position. A bottom locking pin is carried by a bottom side of the panel and is mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a bottom cap mounted on the bottom side of the panel. The bottom guide slot includes a notch positioned to capture the bottom locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one laterally-positioned biasing member is carried by the panel housing and imposes a lateral bias against the panel in a direction to maintain the locking pin in the notch in an offset position to one side of the guide slot when the panel is in the deployed position.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the laterally-positioned biasing member includes a spring-loaded pin adapted to be positioned in an extended position against the panel when the panel is in the deployed position, and to be moved into a retracted position against the panel by the action of the panel upon lateral deflection of the panel incident to impact by a leg of the seat occupant.
According to another embodiment of the invention, an aircraft passenger seat adapted for being positioned in a side-facing configuration in an aircraft cabin is provided, and includes a seat bottom and seat back configured to be oriented in the aircraft perpendicular to the direction of forward travel of the aircraft. A leg restraint for restraining leg movement in the direction of forward travel of the aircraft incident to an abrupt deceleration of the aircraft is provided and includes a leg-restraining member that is mounted in proximity to the aircraft seat and is selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during TTOL and a retracted, non-leg interfering position. An impact-activated biasing member cooperates with the leg-restraining member to move the leg-restraining member into the retracted position upon impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member. A locking member cooperates with the leg-restraining member to retain the leg restraining member in its deployed position against a biasing force towards the retracted position until an impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the leg-restraining member includes a panel mounted beneath the seat bottom of the aircraft seat, the impact-activated biasing member includes a spring cooperating with the panel, and the locking member includes a locking pin carried by the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a cap mounted on the panel. The guide slot includes a notch offset to one side of the guide slot positioned to capture the locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the panel is mounted in an elongate panel housing positioned beneath the seat bottom on a side of the seat most proximate to a direction of forward travel of the aircraft, and moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during TTOL and a retracted, non-leg interfering position. The spring is a coil spring mounted in a spring housing mounted on the panel housing such that as the panel is deployed, the coil spring is uncoiled and when the panel is retracted, the coil spring coils. A top locking pin is carried by a top side of the panel and is mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a top cap mounted on the top side of the panel. The top guide slot includes a notch positioned to capture the top locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position. A bottom locking pin is carried by a bottom side of the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a bottom cap mounted on the bottom side of the panel. The bottom guide slot includes a notch positioned to capture the bottom locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in its deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one laterally-positioned biasing member is carried by the panel housing and imposes a lateral bias against the panel in a direction to maintain the locking pin in the notch in an offset position to one side of the guide slot when the panel is in the deployed position.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the laterally-positioned biasing member includes a spring-loaded pin adapted to be positioned in an extended position against the panel when the panel is in the deployed position, and to be moved into a retracted position against the panel by the action of the panel upon lateral deflection of the panel incident to impact by a leg of the seat occupant.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the notches in the top and bottom guide slots include an offset segment at one end for capturing the locking pin.
According to another embodiment of the invention, an arm rest and end bay are positioned on a side of the seat most proximate to a direction of forward travel of the aircraft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
The present invention is best understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a side-seated aircraft seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its retracted position;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a side-seated aircraft seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its retracted position;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a side-seated aircraft seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its deployed position;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation of a side-seated seat, showing a leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its deployed position;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view from below, showing the leg restraint device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its deployed position;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below, showing the leg restraint device of FIG. 5 in its retracted position;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of the leg restraint device in its deployed position;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above, showing the leg restraint device of FIG. 7 in its retracted position;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view from below, showing the leg restraint device in its deployed position, with the bottom cap removed to show the lock pin and spring-loaded pin, and their cooperation with the bottom guide slot; and
FIG. 10 is a partial vertical cross-sectional perspective view from below, showing the leg restraint device in its deployed position and the position of the upper and lower locking pins in the respective upper and lower guide slots.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now specifically to the drawings, the environment of the disclosure is an aircraft of the type having side-facing seats, such as seat 10, having a seat bottom 12, seat back 14 and an armrest/end bay 16. Accordingly, a seat occupant sits with his or her back to the aircraft fuselage “A”, facing outward in a generally perpendicular direction in relation to the longitudinal dimension of the aircraft and its direction of forward travel. For this reason, the occupant is subject to substantial lateral g-force loading in the event of an abrupt deceleration such as might result during hard braking or a forward-directed crash event. While the upper torso and the thigh area of the legs are restrained to some extent by the armrest 16 and the seat belt 18, the lower legs are free to be projected laterally forward, rotating violently around an axis defined by the knees, causing potential serious injury to both the knees and lower legs unless they are restrained in some manner. Injury to the legs is a particularly serious concern since such injuries could prevent the passenger from being able to egress unaided from the aircraft in the event of an accident.
Thus, in accordance with the invention, a leg restraint device 20 is provided. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the leg restraint device 20 is mounted under the seat forward of the occupant in relation to the aircraft's direction of forward travel. The leg restraint device 20 includes two principal elements, a housing 22 mounted under the seat, and a deployable restraint panel 24.
During boarding, deplaning and normal flight, the leg restraint device remains in a retracted condition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. During TTOL, or in the event of an emergency that may result in an abrupt deceleration, the restraint panel 24 is manually deployed by pulling on, for example, a strap 26 positioned on the front end of the restraint panel 24.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the restraint panel 24, when deployed, projects forwardly of the seat 10 into a position where the legs of the seat occupant are positioned behind the restraint panel 24 in relation to the aircraft's direction of forward travel. In the event of an actual abrupt deceleration of the aircraft, the occupant's legs are prevented from continued unrestrained forward motion by the restraint panel 24. In a manner described below, the restraint panel 24 is caused to retract back into the housing by the action of the lower legs and feet impacting the restraint panel 24 from the side. This retraction occurs very rapidly and thus clears the area around the seat 10 for rapid, unrestricted egress by both the seat occupant and other aircraft occupants who may have to move past the seat 10 in order to egress from the aircraft.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the leg restraint device 20 includes a seat mounting plate 28 for mounting the device 20 to the seat 10 in a position below the seat bottom 12. A retractor spring housing 30 extends rearward from the housing 22. A top cap 34 and a bottom cap 36 enclose the top and bottom of the housing 22. A coil retractor spring 38, see FIG. 9, is positioned in the retractor spring housing 30 and attached to the restraint panel 24. The spring 38 and an attached cord 39 return the panel to its retracted position by the action of the lower legs and feet impacting the restraint panel 24 from the side.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the means by which the panel 24 is guided between its deployed and retracted states is explained. The bottom cap 36 and the top cap 34 function in the same manner. The bottom 36 is provided with a guide slot 40 in its underside. The guide slot 40 includes in its forward terminus an offset notch 42. A locking pin 44 is positioned on the bottom of the restraint panel 24 and rides in the guide slot 40. When the restraint panel 24 is pulled forward to its deployed position as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10 the locking pin 44 is pulled along the guide slot 40 until the locking pin 44 reaches the offset notch 42. The offset of the notch 42 is such that a spring-loaded biasing pin 46 pressing against the side of the panel 24 causes the locking pin 44 to move sideways into the notch 42.
In the same manner, the top cap 34 is provided with a guide slot 50 in its underside. The guide slot 50 includes in its forward terminus an offset notch 52. A locking pin 54 is positioned on the top of the restraint panel 24 and rides in the guide slot 50. When the restraint panel 24 is pulled forward to its deployed position as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10 the locking pin 54 is pulled along the guide slot 50 until the locking pin 54 reaches the offset notch 52. The offset of the notch 52 is such that a spring-loaded biasing pin 56 pressing against the side of the panel 24 causes the locking pin 54 to move sideways into the notch 52.
The deployment of the restraint panel 24 as described above is against the resistance of the retractor spring 38, which maintains its resistance, applying a rearward force against the panel 24, which is prevented from retracting by the locking pins 44 and 54 in the offset notches 42, 52. The biasing force of the biasing pins 46, 56 is sufficient to maintain the panel 24 in a position where the locking pins 44, 54 remain in the offset notches 42, 52, so long as there is no lateral force applied to the panel. In the event of an abrupt deceleration sufficient to cause a leg of the seat occupant to apply a sideways impact to the deployed panel 24, the force applied by the biasing pins, 46, 56 is overcome. The panel 24 is bumped sideways in the direction that laterally moves Locking Pins 44, 54 out of the offset notches 42, 52 in the bottom and top caps 36 and 34. The release of the locking pins 44, 54 permits the retractor spring 38 to instantly retract the panel 24 to which the locking pins 44, 54 are mounted back into the housing 22, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 8.
The leg restraint device 10 is therefore manually operated and requires no power source other than the mechanical retractor spring 38. It is easy to install and requires only a simple in board pull on the strap 26 to deploy. It is completely removed from egress paths when retracted.
A leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants according to the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims (10)

We claim:
1. A leg restraint for side-seated vehicle occupants, and comprising a leg-restraining member mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and selectively moveable in a direction perpendicular to a direction of forward travel of the vehicle between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position, and an impact-activated biasing member cooperating with the leg-restraining member to move the leg-restraining member into the retracted position upon impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member, wherein the leg-restraining member comprises a panel that is mounted beneath a seat bottom on a side of the seat most proximate to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle.
2. A leg restraint according to claim 1, wherein the panel has a height that is at least two times a width of the panel.
3. A leg restraint according to claim 1, and including a locking member cooperating with the leg-restraining member to retain the leg restraining member in its the deployed position.
4. A leg restraint according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises an aircraft and the vehicle seat comprises an aircraft occupant seat.
5. A leg restraint for side-seated aircraft occupants, and comprising:
(a) a leg-restraining member comprising a panel that is perpendicular to the floor of the vehicle mounted in proximity to a side-facing aircraft seat on a side of the seat most proximate to a direction of forward travel of the vehicle and selectively moveable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of forward travel between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during taxi, take-off, and landing (TTOL) and a retracted, non-leg interfering position;
(b) an impact-activated biasing member cooperating with the leg-restraining member to move the leg-restraining member into the retracted position upon impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member; and
(c) a locking member cooperating with the leg-restraining member to retain the leg restraining member in the deployed position against a biasing force towards the retracted position until an impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member.
6. A leg restraint for side-seated aircraft occupants, and comprising:
(a) a leg-restraining member mounted in proximity to a side-facing aircraft seat and selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during taxi, take-off, and landing (TTOL) and a retracted, non-leg interfering position, wherein the leg-restraining member comprises a panel mounted beneath a seat bottom of the aircraft seat;
(b) an impact-activated biasing member cooperating with the leg-restraining member to move the leg-restraining member into the retracted position upon impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member, wherein the impact-activated biasing member comprises a spring cooperating with the panel; and
(c) a locking member cooperating with the leg-restraining member to retain the leg restraining member in the deployed position against a biasing force towards the retracted position until an impact of an occupant's leg against the leg-restraining member, wherein the locking member comprises a locking pin carried by the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a cap mounted on the panel, the guide slot including a notch offset to one side of the guide slot and positioned to capture the locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in the deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
7. A leg restraint according to claim 6, wherein:
(a) the panel is mounted in an elongate panel housing positioned beneath the seat bottom of the vehicle on a side of the seat most proximate to a direction of forward travel of the aircraft, and moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position during TTOL and a retracted, non-leg interfering position;
(b) the spring comprises a coil spring mounted in a spring housing mounted on the panel housing such that as the panel is deployed, the coil spring is uncoiled and when the panel is retracted, the coil spring coils;
(c) a top locking pin is carried by a top side of the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a top cap mounted on the top side of the panel, the top guide slot including a notch positioned to capture the top locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in the deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position;
(d) a bottom locking pin is carried by a bottom side of the panel and mounted for movement in a guide slot formed in a bottom cap mounted on the bottom side of the panel, the bottom guide slot including a notch positioned to capture the bottom locking pin upon deployment of the panel to retain the panel in the deployed position against a biasing force applied to the panel towards the retracted position.
8. A leg restraint according to claim 7, and including at least one laterally-positioned biasing member carried by the panel housing and imposing a lateral bias against the panel in a direction to maintain the locking pin in the notch in an offset position to one side of the guide slot when the panel is in the deployed position.
9. A leg restraint according to claim 8, wherein laterally-positioned biasing member comprises a spring-loaded pin adapted to be positioned in an extended position against the panel when the panel is in the deployed position, and to be moved into a retracted position against the panel by the action of the panel upon lateral deflection of the panel incident to impact by a leg of the seat occupant.
10. A leg restraint according to claim 6, wherein: the panel has a height that is at least two times a width of the panel.
US13/907,079 2013-05-31 2013-05-31 Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants Active US8955914B2 (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/907,079 US8955914B2 (en) 2013-05-31 2013-05-31 Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants
CA2909429A CA2909429A1 (en) 2013-05-31 2013-07-16 Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants
PCT/US2013/050649 WO2014193425A1 (en) 2013-05-31 2013-07-16 Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants
CN201380077048.6A CN105246780B (en) 2013-05-31 2013-07-16 The leg restraint device of the means of transport occupant taken a seat for side and the aircraft passenger seat with leg restraint device
JP2016516497A JP2016524565A (en) 2013-05-31 2013-07-16 Leg restraint device for vehicle occupants sitting sideways
EP13742117.8A EP3003858B1 (en) 2013-05-31 2013-07-16 Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants
US14/060,143 US8894095B1 (en) 2013-05-31 2013-10-22 Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
US14/519,996 US9139114B2 (en) 2013-05-31 2014-10-21 Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
US14/627,168 US9296317B2 (en) 2013-05-31 2015-02-20 Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
US14/628,431 US9315271B2 (en) 2013-05-31 2015-02-23 Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/907,079 US8955914B2 (en) 2013-05-31 2013-05-31 Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/060,143 Continuation-In-Part US8894095B1 (en) 2013-05-31 2013-10-22 Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20140354020A1 US20140354020A1 (en) 2014-12-04
US8955914B2 true US8955914B2 (en) 2015-02-17

Family

ID=48875787

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/907,079 Active US8955914B2 (en) 2013-05-31 2013-05-31 Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US8955914B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3003858B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2016524565A (en)
CN (1) CN105246780B (en)
CA (1) CA2909429A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2014193425A1 (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160023764A1 (en) * 2014-07-22 2016-01-28 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Passive occupant restraint for side-facing aircraft seats
US9352839B2 (en) 2014-10-02 2016-05-31 Amsafe, Inc. Active positioning airbag assembly and associated systems and methods
US9511866B2 (en) 2012-03-19 2016-12-06 Amsafe, Inc. Structure mounted airbag assemblies and associated systems and methods
US9889937B2 (en) 2012-03-19 2018-02-13 Amsafe, Inc. Structure mounted airbag assemblies and associated systems and methods
US9925950B2 (en) 2015-04-11 2018-03-27 Amsafe, Inc. Active airbag vent system
US9944245B2 (en) 2015-03-28 2018-04-17 Amsafe, Inc. Extending pass-through airbag occupant restraint systems, and associated systems and methods
US10569890B2 (en) 2014-08-25 2020-02-25 Amsafe, Inc. Airbag assembly for leg flail protection and associated systems and methods
US10604259B2 (en) 2016-01-20 2020-03-31 Amsafe, Inc. Occupant restraint systems having extending restraints, and associated systems and methods

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10614329B2 (en) 2014-06-13 2020-04-07 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Apparatus and method for providing attitude reference for vehicle passengers
US10452934B1 (en) 2014-06-13 2019-10-22 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Apparatus and method for providing attitude reference for vehicle passengers
US10949689B2 (en) 2014-06-13 2021-03-16 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Apparatus and method for providing attitude reference for vehicle passengers
US10558877B2 (en) 2014-06-13 2020-02-11 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Apparatus and method for providing attitude reference for vehicle passengers
DE102014113345A1 (en) * 2014-09-16 2016-03-17 Recaro Aircraft Seating Gmbh & Co. Kg seat device
WO2016137932A1 (en) * 2015-02-23 2016-09-01 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
CN104827934B (en) * 2015-05-28 2018-06-26 延锋安道拓(仪征)座椅有限公司 A kind of vehicle seat regulator of flexible binding device
US20190031057A1 (en) * 2017-07-28 2019-01-31 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Active seat bolster adjustment based on occupant pressure map and method
US11130578B1 (en) * 2019-10-24 2021-09-28 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Adjustable ottoman

Citations (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2859803A (en) 1956-05-28 1958-11-11 Martin Co Safety seating arrangement for a high speed conveyance
US2929587A (en) * 1957-02-22 1960-03-22 Martin James Ejection seats for aircraft
US3271797A (en) * 1962-12-06 1966-09-13 Ling Temco Vought Inc Impact protective device
US3287064A (en) * 1964-02-27 1966-11-22 Howard E Freeman Leg restraint stowing and positioning linkage
US3329464A (en) * 1965-04-22 1967-07-04 Barwood Antony John Body restraints
US3424408A (en) * 1965-11-01 1969-01-28 James Martin Vehicle ejection seats
US4183582A (en) 1977-10-11 1980-01-15 Kiyoji Taki Emergency passive restraint protective system for vehicle occupants
US4229039A (en) * 1976-04-27 1980-10-21 Day Frederick Lee Insert travel chair and method of transporting the handicapped
US4720064A (en) * 1985-09-30 1988-01-19 The Boeing Company Ejection seat restraint/parachute harness
US5040522A (en) * 1990-11-30 1991-08-20 Michael Daniels Passive flexion chair for physical therapy
US5046687A (en) * 1988-07-22 1991-09-10 The Boeing Company Adaptive torso restraint system
US5301903A (en) * 1993-04-06 1994-04-12 Grumman Aerospace Corporation Occupant arm and head restraining assembly
US5342116A (en) * 1992-09-30 1994-08-30 Walton Charles A Programmer's anti-slump chair with knee support
US5556056A (en) 1992-11-09 1996-09-17 Flight Safety Systems, Inc. Adaptable aircraft airbag protection apparatus and method
US5695242A (en) 1996-02-15 1997-12-09 Breed Automotive Technology, Inc. Seat cushion restraint system
US6217059B1 (en) 1999-08-16 2001-04-17 Trw Inc. Apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant's legs
US20030184061A1 (en) 2002-03-29 2003-10-02 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Side airbag apparatus
US20040026905A1 (en) 2002-08-12 2004-02-12 Hyundai Mobis, Co., Ltd. Side air bag for a motor vehicle
US20050127654A1 (en) 2002-08-21 2005-06-16 Volvo Lastvagnar Ab Vehicle comprising a seat fitted in the transverse direction of the vehicle
US7118180B1 (en) * 1997-08-20 2006-10-10 Bino S. Tanaka Safety restraint for school bus and other vehicles
US20110012329A1 (en) 2009-07-16 2011-01-20 Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd. Air-bag device, and vehicle occupant's lower limb protecting device and device for protecting occupant at the time of vehicle side collision using the same
US20110043028A1 (en) 2008-06-06 2011-02-24 Domenico Basile System and method for protecting a leg of a passenger in a common carrier
US8020939B2 (en) * 2006-11-10 2011-09-20 Ramatti Sp. Z.O.O. Fastening belt system for particular use in child automobile transport solutions
US20110272929A1 (en) 2008-09-04 2011-11-10 Osamu Fukawatase Knee airbag device for vehicle
WO2013001289A1 (en) 2011-06-27 2013-01-03 Perkins Engines Company Limited A fuel pumping and filter connection device

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS555000U (en) * 1979-07-19 1980-01-12
AU1042301A (en) * 1999-11-04 2001-05-14 Reynard Aviation Ltd. Improvements in and relating to seats for passenger vehicles
US8708417B2 (en) * 2009-12-11 2014-04-29 Air New Zealand Limited Seat and related leg rest and mechanism and method therefor
US8939465B2 (en) * 2011-07-18 2015-01-27 Key Safety Systems, Inc. Safety restraint protection for aircraft occupants seated facing the side of the aircraft

Patent Citations (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2859803A (en) 1956-05-28 1958-11-11 Martin Co Safety seating arrangement for a high speed conveyance
US2929587A (en) * 1957-02-22 1960-03-22 Martin James Ejection seats for aircraft
US3271797A (en) * 1962-12-06 1966-09-13 Ling Temco Vought Inc Impact protective device
US3287064A (en) * 1964-02-27 1966-11-22 Howard E Freeman Leg restraint stowing and positioning linkage
US3329464A (en) * 1965-04-22 1967-07-04 Barwood Antony John Body restraints
US3424408A (en) * 1965-11-01 1969-01-28 James Martin Vehicle ejection seats
US4229039A (en) * 1976-04-27 1980-10-21 Day Frederick Lee Insert travel chair and method of transporting the handicapped
US4183582A (en) 1977-10-11 1980-01-15 Kiyoji Taki Emergency passive restraint protective system for vehicle occupants
US4720064A (en) * 1985-09-30 1988-01-19 The Boeing Company Ejection seat restraint/parachute harness
US5046687A (en) * 1988-07-22 1991-09-10 The Boeing Company Adaptive torso restraint system
US5040522A (en) * 1990-11-30 1991-08-20 Michael Daniels Passive flexion chair for physical therapy
US5342116A (en) * 1992-09-30 1994-08-30 Walton Charles A Programmer's anti-slump chair with knee support
US5556056A (en) 1992-11-09 1996-09-17 Flight Safety Systems, Inc. Adaptable aircraft airbag protection apparatus and method
US5301903A (en) * 1993-04-06 1994-04-12 Grumman Aerospace Corporation Occupant arm and head restraining assembly
US5695242A (en) 1996-02-15 1997-12-09 Breed Automotive Technology, Inc. Seat cushion restraint system
US7118180B1 (en) * 1997-08-20 2006-10-10 Bino S. Tanaka Safety restraint for school bus and other vehicles
US6217059B1 (en) 1999-08-16 2001-04-17 Trw Inc. Apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant's legs
US20030184061A1 (en) 2002-03-29 2003-10-02 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Side airbag apparatus
US7198288B2 (en) 2002-08-12 2007-04-03 Hyundai Mobis, Co., Ltd. Side air bag for a motor vehicle
US20040026905A1 (en) 2002-08-12 2004-02-12 Hyundai Mobis, Co., Ltd. Side air bag for a motor vehicle
US20050127654A1 (en) 2002-08-21 2005-06-16 Volvo Lastvagnar Ab Vehicle comprising a seat fitted in the transverse direction of the vehicle
US8020939B2 (en) * 2006-11-10 2011-09-20 Ramatti Sp. Z.O.O. Fastening belt system for particular use in child automobile transport solutions
US20110043028A1 (en) 2008-06-06 2011-02-24 Domenico Basile System and method for protecting a leg of a passenger in a common carrier
US20110272929A1 (en) 2008-09-04 2011-11-10 Osamu Fukawatase Knee airbag device for vehicle
US20110012329A1 (en) 2009-07-16 2011-01-20 Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd. Air-bag device, and vehicle occupant's lower limb protecting device and device for protecting occupant at the time of vehicle side collision using the same
WO2013001289A1 (en) 2011-06-27 2013-01-03 Perkins Engines Company Limited A fuel pumping and filter connection device

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Sep. 30, 2013.

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9511866B2 (en) 2012-03-19 2016-12-06 Amsafe, Inc. Structure mounted airbag assemblies and associated systems and methods
US9889937B2 (en) 2012-03-19 2018-02-13 Amsafe, Inc. Structure mounted airbag assemblies and associated systems and methods
US20160023764A1 (en) * 2014-07-22 2016-01-28 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Passive occupant restraint for side-facing aircraft seats
US9682781B2 (en) * 2014-07-22 2017-06-20 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Passive occupant restraint for side-facing aircraft seats
US10569890B2 (en) 2014-08-25 2020-02-25 Amsafe, Inc. Airbag assembly for leg flail protection and associated systems and methods
US9352839B2 (en) 2014-10-02 2016-05-31 Amsafe, Inc. Active positioning airbag assembly and associated systems and methods
US9944245B2 (en) 2015-03-28 2018-04-17 Amsafe, Inc. Extending pass-through airbag occupant restraint systems, and associated systems and methods
US9925950B2 (en) 2015-04-11 2018-03-27 Amsafe, Inc. Active airbag vent system
US10604259B2 (en) 2016-01-20 2020-03-31 Amsafe, Inc. Occupant restraint systems having extending restraints, and associated systems and methods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3003858B1 (en) 2017-09-06
CA2909429A1 (en) 2014-12-04
WO2014193425A1 (en) 2014-12-04
EP3003858A1 (en) 2016-04-13
US20140354020A1 (en) 2014-12-04
JP2016524565A (en) 2016-08-18
CN105246780B (en) 2017-03-15
CN105246780A (en) 2016-01-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8955914B2 (en) Leg restraint device for side-seated vehicle occupants
US9139114B2 (en) Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
CA2922266C (en) Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
US7904997B2 (en) Buckles for inflatable personal restraint systems and associated systems and methods
CN110789721B (en) Three-seat sleeper aircraft sofa chair
US20140159356A1 (en) Safety Restraint Protection for Aircraft Occupants Seated Facing the Side of the Aircraft
CN109311446B (en) System and method for protecting passengers in a tilt-mounted aircraft seat
US20150166185A1 (en) Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
US20170008632A1 (en) Aircraft passenger restraint system with three-point seat belt and structural mounted airbag
EP2360067B1 (en) Restraint system with adjustable airbag
US11180110B2 (en) Vehicle buckle assembly
US2634802A (en) Shoulder harness for vehicle occupants
US11389349B2 (en) Rear excursion backrest for wheelchair accessible vehicles
US9682781B2 (en) Passive occupant restraint for side-facing aircraft seats
EP3010766B1 (en) Self-aligning safety belt
CN109941440B (en) Mode restraint system and aircraft
WO2016137932A1 (en) Leg restraint device for side-facing seated vehicle occupants
US20180009409A1 (en) Self-adjusting safety belt system for occupants of varying sizes
Pellettiere et al. Transport aircraft seating in rotorcraft crash testing
DE10116301C2 (en) Child restraint for aircraft seats
Roemke The Inflatabelt Occupant Restraint System1

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: B/E AEROSPACE, INC., FLORIDA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MEISTER, PETER C.;FARVET, MICHAEL J.;REEL/FRAME:031018/0144

Effective date: 20130808

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

AS Assignment

Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., NEW YORK

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:B/E AEROSPACE, INC.;REEL/FRAME:035176/0493

Effective date: 20141216

CC Certificate of correction
MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 4

AS Assignment

Owner name: B/E AEROSPACE, INC., FLORIDA

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A;REEL/FRAME:049209/0619

Effective date: 20170413

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 8